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Darwin Barney, former Oregon State Beavers standout, designated for assignment by Chicago Cubs

Darwin Barney

Chicago Cubs' Darwin Barney reaches out to slap an RBI single to center against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 22, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
(Lenny Ignelzi)

The Chicago Cubs decided to part ways with second baseman Darwin Barney, a Portland native and key component to Oregon State's national titles in 2006 and 2007, when they designated him for assignment Tuesday afternoon.

The Cubs have 10 days to trade, release or place Barney on waivers before he becomes a free agent. The team made the move to clear a roster spot for Emilio Bonifacio, who was recently reinstated from the disabled list.

Barney, who the Cubs drafted in 2007, made his major league debut in 2010 and won a National League Gold Glove in 2012. The former Southridge High School standout has posted a .230 batting average, two home runs and a .265 on-base percentage this season.

He was, however, performing better at the plate this month with a .385 batting average in 39 at-bats in July.

Barney went on paternity leave earlier this month when he and his wife welcomed their third child.